E-diplomacy is in the media focus; for example, we hear much about presidents and ministers tweeting. However, many international relations professionals and diplomats need more practical information on how e-tools can help them in their work.

Should diplomats blog? Can Twitter improve communication? How can diplomats manage the avalanche of information that faces them every day? Is online training a solution for continuous learning in diplomacy?

These and other questions were addressed by practising diplomats, specialists in international relations, and Internet experts during the Geneva E-diplomacy Day, which took place on 16 November at the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).

Some excerpts and presentations are available below within the conference programme.

Geneva E-Diplomacy Community

The E-diplomacy Day was organised for diplomatic community in Geneva. If you would like to join this community, be informed about future related events in Geneva and suggest activities, follow this link.

Online learning for diplomatic services and international organisations

By the very nature of their professions, diplomats and international officials are scattered all over the world. E-learning is often the only feasible way to provide continuous training. HEID, IFRC, GCSP and Diplo will present their experiences in engaging their learning communities around the world.

Speakers:

HEID: Michaela Told and Pascale Wyss

IFRC: Ariel Kestens and Tore Svenning

GCSP: Dr. Barbara Zanchetta

Moderator: Dejan Dinčić (DiploFoundation)

12.10 – 13.00

Refreshments and canapés

13.00 – 14.00

E-diplomacy: Challenges for multilateral diplomacy

High-level panel with the following speakers:

Ambassador Alexandre Fasel (Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations Office and other IOs in Geneva)

Richard Boly (Director of the Office of eDiplomacy, US State Department)

Anders Norsker (Chief of the Information Services Department, ITU)

Moderator: Dr Jovan Kurbalija (Director, DiploFoundation)

14.00 – 14.45

Speakers available for informal discussion.

14.45 – 15.30

E-diplomacy labs (Technical discussions in small groups. Participants will select theme of their interest.)

E-diplomacy in diplomatic services (Richard Boly, US State Department)

This session could be described as: ‘everything you always wanted to know about e-diplomacy, but were afraid to ask.’ Individually or in small groups, participants will have the opportunity to discuss e-diplomacy tools (information aggregators, Twitter, Facebook, blogs) with Diplo team members.

DiploFoundation

Towards more inclusive and effective diplomacy

Diplo is a non-profit foundation established by the governments of Malta and Switzerland. Diplo works to increase the role of small and developing states, and to improve global governance and international policy development.